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Next Nissan Leaf could double its current range

August 27, 2014

The next Leaf could feature a design closer to that of the 2015 Nissan Pulsar -- a more conventional shape. Photo by Nissan

Design of 2016 model will reportedly be more conventional

The next-generation Nissan Leaf is set to go on sale in the second half of 2016 and it could see a dramatically increased range, according to a report from Auto Express. The current Leaf has an EPA rated range of 84 miles on a full charge and an EPA-rated 114 mpg-e combined fuel economy. The next-generation Nissan Leaf could have a range in the neighborhood of 186 miles, Auto Express reports.

Auto Express also indicates that the next-generation Leaf could see a more conventional design, similar to that of the foreign-market 2015 Nissan Pulsar hatch seen above. The redesign could also see the appearance of the V-shaped Nissan corporate grille and a more generous greenhouse, like that of the Pulsar. The current Leaf features a sedan-like profile with a trunk shape that does not maximize interior cargo capacity, which has been one of the complaints from potential buyers. Auto Express also indicates that the next-generation Leaf will likely be available in a budget version with a smaller battery pack, something that has been strongly rumored for the next-generation Chevrolet Volt as well.

The current Leaf debuted in the U.S. for the 2011 model year, and despite being a slow seller at first. it has grown into the best-selling pure electric vehicle on the market. Sales of the Leaf have recently achieved rough parity with those of the Chevrolet Volt gas-electric hybrid, which the Leaf undercuts in price. The current 2014 Nissan Leaf starts at $29,830 in the base S-trim level, before the application of various tax credits. Nissan had slashed the price of the Leaf by a whopping $6,000 for the 2013 year, though demand for the small EV had been growing even before the price cut.